Personal Blog

1861 miles on the Appalachian Trail

​The podiatrist diagnoses me with plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. I rejoice when she says there are no broken bones.

A week later, I attempt to return to the trail and meet Tenacious and Nighthawk near Delaware Water Gap. After 5 miles, I again find myself limping, my speed reduced to a mile an hour. Every step is excruciating.

At least going home means I get to have UConn Dairy Bar ice cream

​I go home again, as determined to avoid long-term injury to my feet as I am to finish the trail.​You've got a year. A whole year to finish the 2189.8 miles, I remind myself. It'll still be a thru-hike. What good is continuing north if you may permanently damage your feet? You're in this for the long haul.

Airing out my stuff

Home cooking!

This is Chase. Everything is Chase's business.

My feet are the problem; my arms are fine!

Painting rocks to pass the time

​I book a lean-to at Katahdin Stream Campground for August 9, and decide to flip-flop: I will hike back to Pennsylvania from Maine to finish the trail.

It takes 3 weeks for me to stop limping around the house. Another 2 for the plantar fasciitis to fade.